# Canada-France snow crab fishing dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canada-france-snow-crab-fishing-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-05T00:29:46.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Tensions have emerged between Canada and France regarding proposed snow crab fishing rights near the French archipelago of St-Pierre-Miquelon. France has considered issuing an exploratory license for a 1,500-tonne snow crab quota to a local harvesting company. This proposal has caused friction with Canadian politicians and harvesters, who expressed concern that the plan was being considered without Canadian permission. In response, Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson affirmed Canada’s claim to the extension of its continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Thompson stated that Canada does not agree with foreign snow crab fishing in the disputed area and noted that while President Emmanuel Macron had reportedly pledged to grant the license, the Canadian government has been in contact with French officials to confirm that no such license has actually been issued. Canada maintains that any licensing matters must be addressed through formal diplomatic processes. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: France considers snow crab quota for St. Pierre and Miquelon France is considering a 1,500-tonne snow crab quota for St. Pierre and Miquelon, sparking concern among Canadian politicians and harvesters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-considers-snow-crab-quota-for-st-pierre-and-miquelon ### 2026-10-03: Canada denies French snow crab licence off Newfoundland Canada confirms France has not issued a snow crab licence off Newfoundland, despite President Macron’s recent pledge to grant exploratory fishing rights in the disputed continental shelf area. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-denies-french-snow-crab-licence-off-newfoundland --- Cite as: Canada-France snow crab fishing dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canada-france-snow-crab-fishing-dispute